I recently had the pleasure of chatting with the chairman of QBAIG (Qld Buyers Agents Interest Group), Scott McGeever, who runs the very successful Property Researchers Buyers Agency in Brisbane. This new body has been recently set up within the REIQ to establish minimum standards of business practice for buyers agents in Qld, and can only be good news for those clients wishing to employ an appropriately licensed BA up in the sunny northern state. They are setting up a register of licensed BA's on the REIQ website, to make it easier for consumers when electing to use the services of a BA. Unfortunately, there are still many operators masquerading as independent BA's, when all they are really doing is flogging stock on new developments (for which they are receiving a commission) or acting on behalf of both the vendor and buyer, and pocketing fees from vendors as well. An truly independent BA should be scouring the market for all property for sale, not just property from particular developers or specific RE agencies. They are paid by the buyer only and should be working in their best interests at all times and in all transactions. All good news, as far as I'm concerned, as an independent BA should be totally dedicated and representative of their client (the buyer) and in no way influenced by other parties. Perhaps the biggest and most important factor, however, is the amount of trust that you place in the BA to find a property with the same degree of enthusiasm and diligence that you would expect of yourself. When selecting a BA, look for someone who is not only licensed, experienced and knowledgeable but also truly passionate about what they do.
Dear All including Jacque, 1. I used to engage Scott McGeever for his buyer agent services before to support my own research for my own property investing into the Goldcoast property market. Scott is Brisbane-based, though. I have found Scott McGeever to be an honest and trustworthy person. 2. For your kind update, please. 3. Thank you. regards, Kenneth KOH
Good to hear Kenneth I can imagine that, being so far away, using a BA was the best option for you. Can I ask why you chose Scott over others? What was it that stood out for you?
************************************ Dear Jacque, 1. Scott McGeever was recommended to us by a HK-based Michael Bentley, who was then marketing the apartment units for Flynn Apartment Project in Brisbane, back in 2002. 2. We did not know of other BAs in Brisbane then. 3. However, what Scott impressed me most, is his personal convictions to truthfully state what his own professional assessments are and that he was totally committed in protecting our interests as his clients. He was able to source out a good property at the then Crestwood estate at Molendinar, Goldcoast area, for our investments which saw immediate capital growth within less than one month. 4. For your kind update, please. 5. Thank you. regards Kenneth KOH
Thanks for that, Kenneth. Trust in the person is so very important isn't it? Are you still buying and building in Qld then, Kenneth?
**************************************** Dear Jacque, 1. Not exactly... as I have sold off my 2 properties in the Goldcoast market during the last recent boom and re-invested into the Perth Property market in 2003. 2. Presently, I am still awaiting for the Goldcoast's SWELL Residence Project to complete and to legally settle on the off-the-plan purchase for a apartment unit in 2006 at Burleigh Head, Qld 4220. 3. For your kind update, please. 4. Thank you. regards, Kenneth KOH
